Urease-induced calcification of segmented polymer hydrogels - a step towards artificial biomineralization.

摘要: Natural organic/inorganic composites, such as nacre, bones and teeth, are perfectly designed materials with exceptional mechanical properties. Numerous approaches have been taken to synthetically prepare composites. The presented work describes a new way of mineralizing bulk on large scale following the approach bioinduced mineralization. To this end, series polymer conetworks entrapped urease were prepared. After polymerization, shows high enzymatic activity. bioactive then treated an aqueous mixture urea CaCl2. urease-induced calcification indeed allows formation carbonate crystals exclusively within hydrogel even at room temperature. influence network composition, degree cross-linking, immobilized concentration temperature investigated. By varying these parameters, spherical, monolithic clusters, well bar-like nanocrystals different aspect ratios in spherical or dendritic arrays, formed. grown improve stiffness starting material by up 700-fold, provided that microstructure dense construction without pores strong interaction between network. process has potential generate class hybrid would be available macroscopic for use lightweight design medicine.